Production of Activated Carbon from Rice Husk and Its Adsorption Characteristics for Phenol

The objective of this report is to discuss the adsorption studies of Activated
Carbon produced from rice husks. The common effluent of phenol in wastewater from
industries is lOppm while the allowed amount by regulations is lppm. Adsorption
promises to be the cheapest and efficient of filling up this need of reducing unwanted
chemicals into the environment.
Three different studies were carried out: Effects ofDifferent pH of Activating
Rice Husks on Adsorption Capacity, Effects on Contact Time on Adsorption Capacity
and Effect ofDifferent Medium ofAdsorption Tests on Adsorption Capacity.
3 different samples of 0.5g carbonized rice husks were activated at different pH, 1,
3, and 5. Each sample was placed in each phenol samples ofthe same concentration. The
sample containing rice husks activated at pH 1 prevails. 85% of the phenol in the solution
was adsorbed. This is an adsorption of 0.8466mg ofphenol out of l.Omgper O.lg of
Activated Carbon/Rice Husks. This is a ratio of 0.008466g phenol/g AC.
3 samples of rice husks activated at pH 3 were placed in solutions of the same
concentration. The Activated Carbon samples were left to adsorb for 6,18 and 24 hours
respectively. An almost equilibrium was achieved after 18hours. 52% of the phenol was
successfully adsorbed after 24 hours. This is 25.648mg out of 50mg. This is a ratio of
0.051296g phenol/g AC.
3 samples of rice husks activated at pH 3 were used to test the best mediumto
adsorb phenol: stirrer, shaker and stagnant conditions. All were left in eachmedium for
24 hours. This test is a qualitative test instead of quantitative test like the previous2 tests.
Theresults displays of the same results for all three mediums. An around 50% of phenol
in the 3 samples managed to be adsorbed.
Conclusively, the objectives of this studywas achieved andfulfilled.